Chapter 195: Accepting the One You Oshi
While Rest was experiencing a mysterious defeat at the hands of Yuri, a girl sighed softly in a room located in the center of the eastern Development Village, a short distance from the inn where the two were staying.
“Hah…”
With her flushed cheeks cradled in her hands and her eyes glistening, it was Urura Lavender. As the legitimate daughter of the Lavender Barony, she held the responsibility for the Lavender family’s endeavors in the frontier. On the table before her lay a lace-covered cloth, upon which rested a transparent Crystal Ball. Reflected within it was the image of Rest, who was enjoying breakfast with Yuri, playfully flirting as the morning sun streamed through the window.
“Hah… so beautiful today…”
“…”
Behind Urura stood a woman in her mid-twenties, serving as her Attendant. This woman, Arly Purple, had cared for Urura since her childhood, always looking after her with great devotion. Though she had never been mentioned before, she hailed from a noble family serving the Lavender Barony and was a childhood friend of Urura’s father—the man who was supposed to be the next head of the Lavender Barony. After he went missing, Urura lost all her family except for her vengeful grandfather, making Arly a figure almost like an elder sister to her.
“May I ask you something, my lady?”
“Hah…”
“What joy do you find in seeing the man you admire with another woman?”
Arly posed the question, fully aware that she might not receive a response.
For some time now, Urura had been infatuated with Rest. This was her first experience of obsession and passion, a stark contrast to the puppet-like existence imposed upon her by her grandfather’s domineering education. While Arly was generally pleased with this change in Urura, there was one significant issue: Rest had a fiancée. Moreover, it seemed he was also close to another woman. With Urura still not having established a relationship beyond mere acquaintanceship with Rest, and given their age difference, she felt at a considerable disadvantage.
“There is none… I accept him, my oshi.”
“Yes.”
“Everything. Acceptance… because he is beautiful.”
“I see, so that is your perspective.”
Urura spoke without lifting her gaze from the Crystal Ball. Her words were a jumble of concepts that seemed almost incomprehensible, yet Arly easily grasped their meaning.
“In other words… you believe that accepting your oshi as he is constitutes love. It is not about imposing your desires upon him. What matters is his happiness, and to pray for that is to be a true believer, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
Urura replied briefly to Arly’s words. It seemed that the two shared an understanding that rendered lengthy explanations unnecessary.
“Beautiful… so very beautiful. It’s expanding…”
“Is that so? That is good to hear.”
“Good… very good…”
Inside the Crystal Ball, Rest and Yuri were sharing a meal together. Although Rest wore a somewhat sullen expression, there was a palpable bond between them, even if their relationship was still new.
“…I like him…”
“…That is wonderful. A lovely sentiment indeed.”
It appeared to be a fruitless love, yet Arly did not deny it. If one were to use the term “fruitless,” it would apply more to Urura’s previous life. Her grandfather, Luzer Lavender VI, inherited a legacy of hatred towards the eastern empire alongside the title of “Loser.” To him, children and grandchildren were merely tools for revenge. It was perhaps better for Urura to be caught in this pathological love than to be used and discarded by Luzer.
“My lady, breakfast is ready.”
“Mm…!”
Arly brought in a breakfast that mirrored the one Rest was enjoying, complete with the same brand of Black Tea.
“…Together, we eat.”
“Yes. By having the same menu, you can experience a semblance of dining with him. I am honored to provide this for you.”
“Mm… well done.”
Urura eagerly began to eat, shoveling the food into her mouth.
“…”
Watching Urura eat in sync with Rest, mirroring his every move, Arly silently wiped away the tears that had begun to well in her eyes.